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'The Government must urgently review CICA's guidelines so that young victims receive the redress they deserve. Ministers must guarantee that no child will ever be told that they consented to their own abuse.'

Victims can be eligible for payouts of up to £500,000 under the criminal injuries compensation scheme.

It is open to applications from those who sustain a criminal injury 'directly attributable to their being a direct victim of a crime of violence'.

A coalition of charities including Barnardo's and Victim Support have written to the Justice Secretary calling for an urgent review of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority's guidelines

A 'crime of violence' can include a sexual assault to which a person did not 'in fact' consent.

Mark Castle, chief executive of Victim Support, said: 'It is ridiculous, nonsensical and morally wrong to pretend that a child has consented to sexual abuse and to then use this as an excuse not to pay compensation.